Aviation Gin

Aviation Gin shines in classic gin cocktails that let its botanicals take center stage, though it's equally delightful sipped neat or over ice for those who appreciate its nuanced flavors. This versatile spirit is a year-round pleasure, but it's especially refreshing in crisp, citrus-forward drinks on warm summer evenings, pairing beautifully with light seafood dishes or tangy cheeses that complement its floral notes.

Nose: Juniper forward with bright citrus notes. Hints of cardamom and lavender. Subtle spice and earthy undertones.

Palate: Smooth entry. Juniper and citrus peel dominate initially. Coriander and anise flavors emerge. Sarsaparilla root adds complexity. Light sweetness balances the botanical sharpness.

Finish: Medium length. Warming spice lingers. Dried herbs and a touch of licorice. Clean, crisp aftertaste with a slight floral whisper.

Aviation Gin is crafted using a unique "botanical democracy" approach, where seven carefully selected botanicals are macerated for 18 hours in neutral grain spirit before distillation. Unlike traditional London Dry gins that are often juniper-forward, Aviation's process allows each botanical to shine equally, resulting in a smoother, more balanced flavor profile that has helped redefine American gin.

• Aviation Gin was originally created by bartender Ryan Magarian and distiller Christian Krogstad in 2006, making it one of the first "New Western Dry" gins that deviated from traditional London Dry styles by emphasizing non-juniper botanical flavors.
• Unlike most gins that are made by steeping botanicals directly in the spirit, Aviation uses a unique "maceration and vapor infusion" process where some botanicals are soaked in the base spirit while others are suspended in baskets, allowing their flavors to be extracted by rising vapor during distillation.
• When actor Ryan Reynolds purchased a stake in Aviation Gin in 2018, he celebrated by sending bottles to other famous Ryans in Hollywood, including Ryan Gosling and Hugh Jackman (whose middle name is Michael, but Reynolds jokingly insisted it was "Ryan").